Mangethe Looks Ahead To Usuthu's Clash With Amakhosi

AmaZulu head coach, Arthur Zwane, previewed his side's Betway Premiership clash against Kaizer Chiefs, taking place at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.

Read: AmaZulu Still Targeting Top Three Finish

Zwane reflected on Usuthu missing out on 3rd place, after Chiefs sealed CAF Confederation Cup qualification last week. Zwane credits his squad for their efforts this season, re-emphasising that making the top four was part of the team's mandate before the start of the campaign, an improvement of last season's effort that saw them finish sixth.

He praises his players for how far they've come over the course of the season, mentioning how the likes of Athini Maqokolo came from the ABC Motsepe League, with the likes of Liam Bern competing at the Motsepe Foundation Championship last season.

"Squad for squad, last season, we had a squad with more experience, players who have been there, seasoned campaigners. But that squad was fighting in the relegation zone for nearly three seasons before last year.

"With this group, we are in a rebuilding phase as a club. We keep a few experienced players and surround them with young and ambitious players," noted Mangethe, who admitted the approach was a risk worth taking despite knowing that the team will have near misses and disappointments along the way.

After mentioning near misses against Golden Arrows, Magesi FC, Mamelodi Sundowns and other away matches, Zwane mentioned how proud he is that his team stayed in contention for third place until the week of their penultimate game of the season.

"This group has done wonders, I'm proud of them, very proud, but I'm frustrated because I feel they deserve better," added Zwane. Mangethe also backs Orlando Pirates to win the league, explaining why they're dangerous at home. He stated that Abdeslam Ouaddou's side is a different beast at the Orlando Amstel Arena and that he didn't expect Mamelodi Sundowns to slip up against TS Galaxy, instead of pushing Bucs all the way.